GV cam follower

[ipbr21054]

Hi,
I have a Grand Vitara 2004 with a 2000cc petrol engine.

is it possible to replace 1 cam follower as when starting it rattles for a while.

Ive just replaced the rocket gasket & also to take a look at it but thought i would also ask here.

[ScottieJ]

Are you sure its a cam follower? the J20 engine is pretty fussy with regards to oil service intervals, you need to use good quality oils and filters as well.

They can develop a rattly timing chain on start up if cheaper oils are used or service intervals are not kept on top of. The timing chain tensioners can wear and start to cause issues.

[ipbr21054]

I buy my filters from the dealers.
I use good oil but can’t remember now if it was 5/30 or 5/40

I can start the car and here it rattling.
I switch ignition off then start car again and most times it’s no where near what it was like.
If I put my ear to the rocker cover I can hear the noise.
It doesn’t seem to be coming from the front end.

[ScottieJ]

Cool that's what we like to hear! I've always used Castrol magnatec in the J and H series engines I've ran with Mahle filters as that's usually what suzuki supply.

So the noise is there only on initial cold start up? A rattling timing chain is one of the most common cold start issues on the J and H series engines, especially when they get up to higher mileages, they have an oil feed and use oil pressure to take up the chain slack, sometimes the passageways to them can get blocked.

I'm not saying its not possible that it could be a cam follower but i'd say its more likely to be chain related if its a rattle.

Normally cam followers make more of a ticking noise that speeds up with engine rpm rather than a rattly/chattering noise.

[ipbr21054]

Ok
Do you have a odd etc on these chain tensioners.
I can do must jobs but will I be able to undo a bolt or two to pop off the tensioner and replace with new.
I mean without taking the chain off etc.

All the parts in front of radiator / engine shouldn’t be an issue.